Hydaspes
LocationsGeographical Setting
The Hydaspes is the ancient Greek name for the modern Jhelum River in South Asia, known as the site of Alexander the Great's final major battle in 326 BCE.
What is the meaning of Hydaspes in the Bible?
The Hydaspes River, identified as the modern Jhelum in India, appears in Judith 1:6 as a likely geographical error or conflation by the biblical author, who may have confused it with the Euphrates or Tigris rivers of the Near East.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this geographical discrepancy helps readers understand that the Book of Judith employs a stylized or imprecise geographical framework rather than strict historical accuracy, reflecting the author's literary intent to situate the narrative within a known ancient world context.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Hydaspes in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.